U.S. Rep. Eric Massa, D-Corning, announced today that he will not run for re-election.
A freshman congressman, Massa represents New York's 29th district -- which includes Allegany and Cattaragus counties.
During a conference call at 3:30 p.m., Massa cited health issues as why he has decided not to run for a second term.
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Congressman Eric Massa
"This last December, I underwent my third major cancer recurrence scare," Massa said. "I was briefly hospitalized, but kept it private between myself and my immediate family. It was a very intense and personal experience, especially in light of having gone through this before."
Massa did address allegations that he has chosen not to run for re-election for other reasons, calling them "unsubstantiated" and "without fact or backing."
In anticipation of the announcement and since Massa's brief statement, newspapers have speculated online that Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks might take a run at the office come November.
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle quotes Brooks as saying she will give the opportunity "serious consideration over the next several days."
Massa was elected in 2008, ousting Rep. Randy Kuhl. He first ran for the seat in 2006.